Time Lapse In Public Place at DVinfo.net

Chris Long · July 28th, 2003, 08:14 PM

Hi All
I'm in the very early just-thinking-it-through stage of a film that would involve time-lapse sequences in a public place, namely a public library. I work at the library. The film would include interiors and some exteriors, covering the motion of light throughout the day in and around the building, and the general flow of the public from opening until closing.

Because of the distance from the patrons (the camera would always be mounted near the ceiling, quite a distance from the public) and the extreme compression of time, there won't be any recognizable people in the final product.

My concern is this: before I go in and talk to the building manager about my plan, is there any background I should know, in general, about any legal issues of filming in a public place? I'd like to have all my ducks in a row, so to speak, before I broach the subject with the administration. They tend to be eager to err on the side of saying "No" when it comes to things they think might be a problem. I'd like to avoid that.

The film would not be for profit (the thought makes me chuckle, actually); I suppose it might be used as a library promo once they see it, though...

Thanks!
Chris

Keith Loh · July 28th, 2003, 10:41 PM

At least you work there! I went to my local library to ask for permisson to put up a POSTER recruiting for a Lady X short and I got a flat out snooty "NO".

July 28th, 2003, 08:14 PM	#1
Chris Long Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Middletown, Maryland USA Posts: 177	Time Lapse In Public Place Hi All I'm in the very early just-thinking-it-through stage of a film that would involve time-lapse sequences in a public place, namely a public library. I work at the library. The film would include interiors and some exteriors, covering the motion of light throughout the day in and around the building, and the general flow of the public from opening until closing. Because of the distance from the patrons (the camera would always be mounted near the ceiling, quite a distance from the public) and the extreme compression of time, there won't be any recognizable people in the final product. My concern is this: before I go in and talk to the building manager about my plan, is there any background I should know, in general, about any legal issues of filming in a public place? I'd like to have all my ducks in a row, so to speak, before I broach the subject with the administration. They tend to be eager to err on the side of saying "No" when it comes to things they think might be a problem. I'd like to avoid that. The film would not be for profit (the thought makes me chuckle, actually); I suppose it might be used as a library promo once they see it, though... Thanks! Chris

July 28th, 2003, 10:41 PM	#2
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	At least you work there! I went to my local library to ask for permisson to put up a POSTER recruiting for a Lady X short and I got a flat out snooty "NO". __________________ -- Visit http://www.KeithLoh.com \| stuff about living in Vancouver \| My Flickr photo gallery